The Florida legislature is considering a bill that would make two changes to its conveyancing statutes. First, it would eliminate the requirement that a warranty deed include a blank space for social security numbers. Second, it would provide that government liens are valid against creditors and purchasers.
The bill, SB 404, was introduced by Sen. Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland.
Currently, Florida Statutes Section 689.02(2) states, “The form of warranty deeds of conveyance to land shall include a blank space for the property appraiser’s parcel identification number describing the property conveyed, which number, if available, shall be entered on the deed before it is presented for recording, and blank spaces for the social security numbers of the grantees named in the deed, if available, which numbers may be entered on the deed before it is presented for recording.” The bill seeks to eliminate the requirement that blank spaces be included for the social security numbers of the grantees.
The bill also seeks to add a third subsection to section 695.01 of the Florida Statutes. The proposed provision reads, “A lien by a governmental entity or quasi-governmental entity that attaches to real property for an improvement, service, fine or penalty, other than a lien for taxes, non-ad valorem or special assessments or utilities, is valid and effectual against creditors and subsequent purchasers for a valuable consideration only if the lien is recorded in the official records of the county in which the property is located. The recorded notice of lien must contain the name of the owner of record, a description or address of the property, and the tax or parcel identification number applicable to the property as of the date of recording.”
If passed, the proposed law would take effect Oct. 1.